It's a stupid question to some, but I can't undo the top nut without rounding it off from my 340 GL.

I know you can do it with a impact gun but that's a bit hard to do right now.

Is there any other way of removing it so I can install the lowering springs I have bought.

Any help is great

I used this


and this


Worked fine for me

Sometimes that method does not work even with an impact gun. I have a pair of mole grips with plastic cover to grip the shock stem with, using them and a spanner works ok for me.
You must be very careful not to damage the stem if the damper is to be reused

classicswede wrote:Sometimes that method does not work even with an impact gun. I have a pair of mole grips with plastic cover to grip the shock stem with, using them and a spanner works ok for me.
You must be very careful not to damage the stem if the damper is to be reused

That's the thing, I don't want to round it off any more then it already is (kind of).


Looks like I might have to buy some shocks from you guys

Normally you can crack off the nut with the car on the ground, then hold the middle with an adjustable and undo the nut, do not try to screw the middle in. Soak in wd40 for added help.

Moles grips on the shaft at the top as a last resort.

12" stihl saw is my last resort provided replacement dampers are to hand.

A bench mounted vice to hold the assembly in makes the job a lot easier

Not sure what way you are holding it, But do not cut the shaft without holding the spring compressed. The release is very dangerous.

Spring compressors are a must!!! Anyone attempting to undo the top mount without a set is a prime candidate for a darwin award

... although the struts ive just removed from my vario could be undone without, as the springs have been cut so much that they have ~1/4" of play under full extension of the damper.

thododd wrote:Spring compressors are a must!!! Anyone attempting to undo the top mount without a set is a prime candidate for a darwin award

... although the struts ive just removed from my vario could be undone without, as the springs have been cut so much that they have ~1/4" of play under full extension of the damper.

Thank you all for the replys!


Trust me, I wont be doing it without spring compressors, I do want my face intact thank you!

I've had to undo 2 850 top nuts with an angle grinder so far. I forsee many more to come

When they are that bad and only scrap then mole grips and impact gun get the job done.